This is one of my husband’s favorite meals for a weeknight! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown this together after a long day, and it never fails to hit the spot. It’s hearty, comforting, and so simple to whip up that I can practically do it with my eyes closed (though I don’t recommend that!). The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a delicious flavor that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Plus, it’s one of those meals that gets better the next day, so leftovers are a win-win! Trust me, whether you’re rushing home from work or just looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe will become a staple in your household too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Browning the Beef
First things first, let’s get that ground beef browning! Grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the beef. You’ll want to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. Don’t rush this step; it’s where all that yummy flavor starts!
Step 2: Adding Vegetables
Next up, let’s bring in some aromatics! Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them in with the beef and let everything cook together for another 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for the onions to become soft and translucent—this is when the magic really starts to happen, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to stir in all those delicious canned goodies! Add the diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, corn, and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good mix to combine everything well. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot too—there’s flavor there just waiting to be released!
Step 4: Seasoning
Let’s spice things up! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and a good pinch of salt. Mix it all together until the spices are evenly distributed. This is where your dish will start to get that warm, inviting aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouths water!
Step 5: Cooking Time
Bring your mixture to a boil—don’t worry, it won’t take long! Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. After 20 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously hearty meal ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Simple cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.
- Flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices that everyone will enjoy.
- Hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Great for meal prep; the leftovers are even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly and customizable, so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your weeknight meal is a total winner! Here are some of my best tips for achieving the tastiest results:
- Don’t skip the browning: It might seem like a small step, but browning the beef really builds flavor. Take your time with it; those little browned bits are flavor gold!
- Adjust the spices: If you like a kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use a little less. Taste as you go—this is your meal, after all!
- Top it off: I love adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. It adds a creamy richness that takes this dish to the next level. Fresh cilantro or diced avocados are also fantastic options!
- Mix it up: Try adding different beans or veggies based on what you have on hand. Black beans, corn, or bell peppers can add nice variety and nutrition!
- Make it ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready when you are!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that your family will love. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of delicious ways to customize this dish! Here are some fun variations that can keep this weeknight favorite fresh and exciting:
- Swap the Beans: Instead of kidney beans, try black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile. You can even mix in a can of chickpeas for a protein boost!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. They’ll add color and extra nutrients, plus they’ll soften nicely as they cook!
- Spice it Up: For those who like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You could also experiment with different spices—like smoked paprika or oregano—for added depth.
- Make it Tex-Mex: Give it a twist by adding taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin. Top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, and salsa for a fun Tex-Mex vibe!
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld nicely.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness. They can really brighten up the flavors!
These variations not only change up the taste but also cater to whatever ingredients you might have on hand. So, get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious leftovers from this hearty meal? Lucky you! Storing and reheating is super simple, and I’ve got some tips to keep that flavor just as amazing as the first time around.
First things first, let your dish cool completely before storing it. This will help prevent condensation and keep it from getting soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer your leftovers into an airtight container. If you’ve got a big batch, you can also portion it out into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Just make sure to label them with the date so you know when to enjoy them!
Now, let’s talk storage! You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for even longer, go ahead and pop them in the freezer! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
When it’s time to dig in again, reheating is a breeze. You can do it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works great too! Just transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (to avoid splatters!), and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. If it’s a bit thick after reheating, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this tasty meal multiple times without sacrificing any of that delicious flavor. Happy eating!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this hearty dish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy the comforting flavors while knowing you’re fueling your body with a nutritious meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to make it vegetarian, feel free to swap the ground beef for lentils, plant-based ground meat, or even diced mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the chili powder, but it’s totally adaptable! If you prefer it spicier, you can add extra chili powder or some diced jalapeños. On the flip side, if you want it milder, simply reduce the amount of spices.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, definitely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll be good to go!
What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love topping mine with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some fresh cilantro. Avocado slices or crushed tortilla chips also add a fun crunch. Get creative with your toppings to make it your own!
Print
This is one of my husband’s favorite meals for a weeknight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This is one of my husband’s favorite meals for a weeknight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup corn
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Top with cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: husband's favorite, weeknight meal, easy dinner